My name is Michael Mays. I am a 60-year-old male who served in the U.S. Air Force from 1984 to 1988, and then in the Air National Guard from 1988 to 1994, receiving an honorable discharge.
I have never had the blessing of marriage or children.
For the past 32 years, since September 1993, I have worked at a local manufacturing plant.
About a year ago, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the VA hospital in Johnson City, Tennessee.
Because of the severity of my illness, I have been unable to work. I’ve been on short-term disability since February of this year.
One of the most challenging symptoms I’ve had to deal with is severe urinary frequency. This began decades ago when I first had difficulty fully emptying my bladder. I would go to the restroom, but still feel like I hadn’t voided completely—and would have to return soon after. This happens throughout the day and night. I can’t get a full night’s sleep; I wake up at least once every hour, and sometimes two or three times in that same hour.
This issue has affected my quality of life for the last 30 to 35 years.
Years ago, I was evaluated at Holston Valley Hospital in Kingsport, TN, by their urology department. They performed a bladder scope and biopsy. The results indicated an overactive bladder. Since then, I’ve lived with this condition, which has gradually worsened over time.
To be honest, I haven’t needed an alarm clock to wake up for work in over 25 years—because I was already awake, needing to use the bathroom.
When I finally got an appointment with my oncologist at the VA in April, I was ready to begin radiation treatment. The plan was 20 sessions, five days a week for four weeks.
To undergo radiation, patients are required to have a full bladder and an empty bowel for each session. That’s a tall order given my urinary issues.
Before seeing the oncologist, I had to complete a questionnaire about my symptoms. Each question was rated from 1 to 5, with 5 being the most severe. Because I scored mostly 4s and 5s, the doctor determined it would be too risky to begin radiation at that time.
He explained that radiation causes the prostate to swell. With my existing bladder problems, this could shut down my ability to urinate completely, requiring an emergency catheter and posing serious health risks.
Instead, the doctor recommended I receive a hormone shot to shrink the prostate. After that, I would undergo a surgical procedure called TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate). Only after completing those steps would I be eligible to begin radiation treatment safely.
The hormone treatment takes about three months to start effectively shrinking the prostate. Despite the side effects—similar to those of menopause—I agreed to proceed. It hasn’t been easy, but I’m sticking with it.
After the hormone therapy, the next step is TURP surgery. My urologist will go through the urethra and attempt to remove or “shave” the cancerous tissue from the prostate. After that, I’ll need a catheter for a period of time and will also need pelvic floor therapy to retrain my body to urinate properly.
I’m currently two months into the hormone therapy. Unfortunately, the side effects will last for about three more months, totaling six months of discomfort before I can even move on to the next phase.
Once I’ve recovered from the surgery, I can finally begin radiation treatment.
I had saved enough money to cover my bills during this time of short-term disability, but I’ve since had three separate car repairs that wiped out my savings.
Now I’ve fallen behind on every one of my bills—rent, electricity, water, loans—and my checking account is overdrawn.
The weight of all this is overwhelming.
I simply can’t keep up with everything on the small disability payments I’m receiving from my insurance company.
I’m asking for financial help—just enough to help me get through the next few months until I can return to work, hopefully by October. Of course, that depends entirely on how my treatments go. It’s a delicate process, but I’m doing everything my doctors ask of me, and I have full faith in their plan.
It’s very hard for me to ask for help. I’ve always been able to take care of myself. But right now, I truly need support.
If you’re able to help in any way, I would be deeply grateful. And may God bless you for your kindness.
Thank you,
Michael Mays
